Tennis

Rowland Holds Off Valiant Maranatha Effort, 11-7, in Tuesday’s Nonleague Contest

Apr 05 2023 04:45:28

Boys Tennis:

Thanks to Maranatha for this report:

It was Maranatha’s 8th consecutive road match to start the season.

The Minutemen had to play perfect tennis and had to run on literally all cylinders to have a chance to upset the Raiders, in a matchup between teams that always bring out the best in each other.

Maranatha defeated Rowland 9-9 (75-69) last season.

After starting the season, 0-2-1, Maranatha ran off four straight victories, and were looking to find a way to pull off an upset today.

The Minutemen were hoping to be able to wrestle a couple of sets from the Raiders in doubles and win almost all their singles sets to eek out a win.

It almost worked … almost.

No. 1 doubles, Shahe Yerevanian/Matt Yip came close, losing two tight sets, 4-6, while the rest of the doubles sets were dominated by Rowland, a 9-0 sweep.

Maranatha’s singles lineup came close to sweeping, with #2 Sawyer Tarampi and #3 Victor Qiao dropping close sets, but still coming away with 2 wins a piece. #1 Joshua Im swept his opponents.

As always, when playing at Rowland, the atmosphere was very competitive, but respectful and with good spirit and sportsmanship, as both head coaches, Arthur Hsieh and Jake Magnant, are good friends and have been at the helm of their programs for over a decade.

In fact, they serve together as members of the CIF-SS Tennis Advisory Committee.

Despite the loss, the rebuilding Minutemen gained valuable experience that they hope to integrate in their final four matches of the season; three of which are crucial league matches that will determine whether they will once again qualify for the post-season (for at least the 15th consecutive season).

Maranatha (4-3-1 overall; 2-0 in league) next plays Alhambra on Thursday in a rematch of an early season matchup that left both teams tied, 8-8, before being halted due to darkness.

Photo of Joshua Im courtesy of Amanda Lin

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